The Battle of Stamford Bridge

Why Stamford Bridge? The Norwegian Strategy

Bibliographic Data

ID21802597
AuthorsMichael C Blundell (corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume17
Pages31-61
Publication date2021-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueViking and Medieval Scandinavia (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1782-7183 • E-ISSN: 2030-9902
PublisherBrepols Publishers NV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1484/j.vms.5.126482
OpenAlexW4233285604
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited30

This article examines the movement of the Norwegian army to Stamford Bridge after their victory at the Battle of Fulford as well as the impact this movement had on the location of their fleet. Primary source comparisons combined with data from strategic and logistical analyses are used to propose reasons why Harald Sigurdsson, known for his intelligence, caution, and cunning, would march his army seventeen miles away from his ships and reserves while potentially leaving the army open to attack from the rear. Additionally, it is argued that the Norwegian fleet left Riccall for a safer location along the Humber in conjunction with the movement of the army and that a small number of ships was subsequently moved to a location near Stamford Bridge in a support capacity. This proposed narrative also provides an explanation for difficult-to-interpret primary source passages which discuss the aftermath of the Battle of Stamford Bridge

Ammunition · Archaeology · Art · Battle · Forensic engineering · Narrative · Norwegian · Political science · Politics · Victory · Engineering · Historical and Archaeological Studies · History · Law · Maritime and Coastal Archaeology · Medieval Literature and History

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